Agenda and minutes

It was noted that there were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

Councillors E A Biggs, J L Pout and C D Zosseder declared an Other Significant Interest in Agenda Item 6a (Garden Waste Containerisation Project) by reason that they were subscribers to the garden waste collection service.

The decisions of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 3 July 2023 numbered CAB 11 to CAB 20 (inclusive) are attached.

It was agreed that the decisions of the meeting held on 3 July 2023, as detailed in decision numbers CAB 11 to CAB 20, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Transformation and the Port Health & Public Protection Manager.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holders for Community & Corporate Property and Transport, Licensing & Environmental Services

It was agreed that, having regard to the conditions within Sections 61 and 72 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Officers be authorised to conduct an effective consultation process to seek comments and views from a range of stakeholders and members of the public on the proposed variations to the existing Public Spaces Protection Order, as detailed in the report.

To consider the attached report of the Principal Heritage Officer.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Built Environment

It was agreed:

(a)   That the proposed responses to the representations received and the resulting modifications to the Conservation Area Character Appraisal, as set out at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

(b)   That the Conservation Area Character Appraisal, as set out at Appendix 2 of the report, be adopted as a material consideration for planning purposes.

(c)   That the Head of Planning and Development be authorised, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Built Environment, to make any necessary editorial changes to the appraisal prior to publication to assist with clarity, consistency, explanation and presentation.

(d)   That further work be undertaken to extend the Conservation Area boundary and that an Article 4 Direction be introduced in response to the recommendations in the Dour Street, Dover Conservation Area Character Appraisal.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Finance and Investment.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education

It was agreed:

(a)   That a project to acquire and, where necessary, refurbish six properties for affordable rent, under the terms of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF), be approved.

(b)   That the Head of Finance and Investment be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education, to take the necessary decisions and actions to progress the project and purchase the properties including (but not limited to) accepting LAHF grant funding from Kent County Council, agreeing the purchase price, approving the sale purchase agreements, appointing any necessary professional advisers and agreeing works to bring the properties up to lettable standards.

(c)   That the Head of Finance and Investment be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education, to accept further funding, if awarded, from the LAHF and acquire additional properties as required by the grant funding conditions and in accordance with recommendation (b).

To consider the attached report of the Head of Waste Services.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Built Environment

(In accordance with the provisions of Section 100(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman of the meeting has agreed that this item, which was not detailed on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency)

It was agreed:

(a)   That, in the interests of the health and safety of the refuse collection contractor’s workforce, the use of garden waste sacks be withdrawn and the sacks replaced with a 240-litre wheeled bin.

(b)   That a single wheeled bin be provided at no cost to subscribers in Year 1 of the revised service, and that residents who cannot access the service be offered a £25 voucher for a free home composter.

(c)   That the Head of Waste Services be authorised to work with the Head of Legal Services to finalise and approve the draft Garden Waste Service terms and conditions.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Corporate and Regulatory).

Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Climate Change and Environment

It was agreed:

(a)   That the Annual Governance Assurance Statement for 2022/23 be approved and the Leader of the Council and the Head of Paid Service be requested to sign the Statement on behalf of the Council.

(b)   That the Governance Committee be asked to accept the Annual Governance Assurance Statement for 2022/23.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Corporate Services and Democracy.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Climate Change and Environment

It was agreed that the Council’s Strategic Performance Dashboard for Quarter One 2023/24 be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Transformation.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed:

(a)   That the proposed rebranding and criteria changes set out at paragraph 4.2 of the report, utilising the £55,277.29 available to the Community Grants Scheme (comprising £22,500 usual budget, £7,500 Dover Lotto injection and £25,000 underspend), be approved.

(b)   That the budget outlined at (a) be augmented with an injection of £30,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To consider the attached report of the Corporate Estate and Coastal Engineer.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that a project to instruct consultants to undertake a full structural survey of Deal Pier and to carry out any immediate repairs as necessary be approved.